2007-11-25 14:40:47 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There seems to be debate on that. There are a few answers. One is that they were meant to frighten evil spirits away from the Church and it's valuables. Others are that they symbolized original sin, the devil or even sinners or pagans who were now condemned.
2007-11-25 14:50:12 · answer #1 · answered by becka212 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To facilitate conversion to Christianity, many pre-Christian practices and symbols were incorporated into the rituals of the Catholic Church.
The European cathedral was also to be a "sermon in stone" which could be "read" by an illiterate population. Some gargoyles clearly fill this instructional purpose by illustrating Bible stories, from Eve's first reach for the apple to frightening images of eternal damnation.
But not all gargoyles were for religious instruction. Some were simply grotesque. One reason for this is the belief that frightening figures could scare away evil spirits, and they were put on the outsides of buildings to do just that.
2007-11-25 22:45:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
All I know is my own experience. A friend of mine was renting a room in a house. He had to go to the owners of the house to pay the security and stuff. When we got to the front door, there was a gargoyle that spit and had a camera eye in it. Gave me the creeps. We went it. Every hair on my body stood on end. The house was furnished with ornate antiques and red/gold fabric on the walls. Lots of money. The huge dining table set for 12 or more. Like something out of a movie... Completely over the top. 2 of the biggest Rotties I've ever seen. They turned out to be completely evil. So now, I just don't like them. They are a warning sign to me. I have had other gargolye experiences. They all were bad.
2007-11-25 23:02:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Gargoyles don't relate to Christianity. The look like they are related to Satanism.
2007-11-25 22:54:19 · answer #4 · answered by JJ 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Gargoyles were created in mythology to chase off evil spirits, if that helps.
2007-11-25 22:43:48 · answer #5 · answered by primalclaws1974 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gargoyles generally prefer not to practice Christianity. ; )
2007-11-25 22:50:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It was fabled that these statues were so ugly that demons themselves would be frightened by them and flea form the area.
2007-11-25 22:43:27 · answer #7 · answered by Linda J 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They don't. More muddling of the water I'm afraid.
What Father K said.
2007-11-25 22:43:20 · answer #8 · answered by Last Ent Wife (RCIA) 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
believe not every spirit , but test the spirits whether they are of God , because many false prophets are gone out into the world
2007-11-25 22:46:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋